Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9x13” pan with parchment. 

In a large bowl, combine flours, baking powder, salt, and maple sugar. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add almond extract and ice water gradually until dough holds together when pressed. 

Press 2/3 of the dough into the bottom of prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes. 

Prepare filling: In a small bowl, whisk cranberry sauce with cornstarch (and orange juice if using) until smooth. Stir in zest if desired. Spread evenly over the partially baked crust. 

Crumble the remaining dough over the filling and lightly press. Sprinkle with sliced almonds. 

Bake 25–30 minutes, until golden and set. 

Cool completely in pan, at least 1–2 hours, before lifting out and slicing into bars. For the cleanest slices, chill 30 minutes before cutting.